UNDP Cambodia’s new AI mapping tool shows that the most vulnerable areas of the country are in the rural north and northeast regions. – The Phnom Penh Post
PHNOM PENH: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Cambodia launched the "Big Data and AI for Mapping Vulnerability in Cambodia" tool today, revealing that the most disadvantaged people in the Kingdom are in the rural north and northeast regions.
The mapping highlights levels of vulnerability, with "Red" indicating a high probability of deprivation and "Green" signifying a low probability across all aspects of education, health, living standards and monetary status, as well as categories within each area.
According to the report, the tool combines traditional and big data sources to analyse socio-economic vulnerabilities from a multidimensional perspective, using AI, machine learning and deep learning. The project kicked off in 2021 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“By integrating different datasets, policymakers can identify patterns and interactions of overlapping deprivations that are often overlooked when studying vulnerability separately. The tool allows users to explore vulnerabilities alongside specific indicators such as education, health and living standards at various geographic levels,” the report stated.
The mapping shows specific levels of vulnerability in each dimension and category, from the provincial down to the commune level.
“The tool provides accurate estimates of at-risk households based on factors such as limited access to education, clean water and electricity. The user interface is also exceptionally easy to navigate. As a result, the tool will benefit all users, including community leaders and government agencies,” the document added.
The report concluded that the innovative tool, which provides small-scale, geographically specific information, can promote humanitarian efforts and government projects that meet many of the aims set out in the country’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
